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Suga: No change to airlines' notification policy when flying in China zone

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Not a problem. Chinese airlines can do the same within the Japanese zone. Two can play at the same game. Now, whose air zone is in fact larger? Are the Japanese able to monitor and patrol their air zone?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And Suga once again proves to be a moron. I hope he flies each and every day through the zone to show he's not simply putting civilian lives at risk for the sake of his political vote.

-2 ( +9 / -11 )

Wow. This nutty Japanese stance is still maintained!?

US government has advised all American airlines to submit flight plans for “passing through” this PRC ADIZ. (I am also curious why Japan Today does not report this.) This really slaps the face of Abe’s government… They demanded non-compliance from Japanese airlines who withdrew their previous compliance statements. That really make Japanese look bad… they are violating the cardinal rule of civilian flights: first priority is the passenger safety. They care more about playing politics than civilian lives!

Although China stated civilian airlines are not the targets, US wants to make sure there is no accidental mistaken identity (like US bombed the Chinese Embassy in Yogoslavia by mistake many years ago).

I think the next quarterly financial reports of JAL and ANA will prove to the world that Abe’s government is not very smart.

-5 ( +7 / -12 )

all should have not changed anything in the zone. What would China do? start doing fly byes on commercial jets? If that was the case then it would be time to dispatch fighter jets against China's and force China to back down stating the threat to human life. Then who would have the world looing down on them totally??? CHINA! That is what they deserve to be looked at today as it is with all their aggression against all in East Asia and Southeast Asia. No one backs CHina on any of what they have been doing the last few years with their bold aggression towards everyone!

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

First, let us lay down some facts:

*People have missed a key point in this dispute.

It is not because China ESTABLISHED this identification-zone over international air space… More than 20 countries (started by US) ESTABLISHED their identification-zones the same way decades ago. Additionally, US naval carriers have established “mobile” identification-zones around them.

It is not because China UNILATERALLY established this identification-zone … all countries did their identification-zones “UNILATERALLY”.

It is not because this Chinese identification-zone OVERLAPS with that of Japan, Korea, Taiwan… Japanese identification-zone (expanded twice) OVERLAPS with that of Korea and Taiwan (against their protests).

It is not because this Chinese identification-zone requires IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION INFORMATION before the plane enters the zone aiming to fly into the host country… All identification-zones have this requirement.

The problem is that China identification-zone requires “flight plans beforehand for even just passing-through”… that is a new requirement that does not exist in the previous ADIZ identification-zones from the other countries. So the “flight plan for passing through” should be the bone of contention or criticism… because all the other arguments have no moral and logic ground to stand on!*

Second, is Abe nuts? Remember we often say Chinese radar systems are not as sophisticated and their ragtag pilots are not as well trained as the Japanese. Did Abe think about the possibility of accident or "mistaken identity" with these civilian airlines?

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

I am sorry to have to make this clear once again..China has illegally and without any substantial reason or right tried to create and impose its control over international air space. The zone in question is far from China's actual borders and has no substance in international law. It is a blatant attempt to 'claim" territorial rights that it has no right to at all. It is trying to take control of numerous regions in the Pacific but Japan is the only nation strong enough to stand up to it so they have made this attempt. it is NOT anything like a standard control zone, it is a political attack and a moral outrage that they even think they can get away with this.

The US advised the US flag carriers to comply because China holds a large bit of US debt and Obama wants to try to walk the middle road and not challenge China too much. Japan is learning the hard way what it takes to be strong in the face of the Chinese menace and I am very proud of them. I am sorry to see posters still trying to bend and twist reality to fit their own political goals and i have a feeling supporting China in words is just as fallacious as supporting such a blatant and unjustified and illegal move as this ficticious control zone.

In the end China will have to back down and remove its false claims I just hope they do it before it is such an embarrasemnt that they cause turmoil on their own country which very much needs peace at home to try to deal with serious national problems. they should be concentrating on that and not trying to grab other people's territory.

-6 ( +5 / -11 )

I am not happy at all to see America has become so weak now. In the past it was always a world leader ,right or wrong but always a world leader. Maybe president Obama is doing the best for America but other small nations in the region observe this "kow tow"to China style diplomacy, will , no doubt in my mind, be upset and start to wonder "who can you trust?". Trust no man as in ( Isaiah 2:22 server yourselves from such a man , Whose breath is in his nostrils; For of what account is he?) .Even so I still hope that Vice president Biden will bring some clearer , wiser direction to this matter.

-8 ( +2 / -10 )

CrisGerSan: "In the end China will have to back down and remove its false claims I just hope they do it before it is such an embarrasemnt that they cause turmoil on their own country which very much needs peace at home to try to deal with serious national problems."

Grow up, Cris... it's clearly not China backing down, is it? Once Biden "talks with" Japan, Japanese airlines will back down as well (again). China has won this one.

0 ( +8 / -8 )

Grow up, Cris... it's clearly not China backing down, is it? Once Biden "talks with" Japan, Japanese airlines will back down as well (again). China has won this one

On one side, we have country that unilaterily declares a zone which overlaps another and threatens to take action to vessels that does not identify their plans and for some unknown screwed up compass, you hav the nerve to call people who denounce this action to "grow up".

Furthermore, we have not only have JSDF and U.S. who ignored such orders (flaunted is more appropriate) and conducted their routine on top of the fact that there are literally dozen of commercial flights daily who did not respond to China's demands and not ONCE had China scrambled her jets and yet you have the nerve to conclude "China has won this one". You sir, are one of the few that could console the higher brass of Chinese military who I would reckon are drinking, drowning out their misery as we speak.

-3 ( +6 / -9 )

I am an American my self, I just wanted to say that most of us americans feel betrayed by our own governments actions and don't even ask us anymore. I really feel absolutely let down and devastated by my governments actions... we should be helping Japan... Japan is one of our most trusted Friends.. what the hell has happened to us? Obama is a terrible president... just terrible.... and our government has done no better anymore... haa... I hope this ends with no bloodshed and everything is at the very least, neutral again, I really do. I hope for the very best for not just both countries but also Japan, you have suffered so much lately, I hope for a fruitful and prosperous future for japan, soon - not later.

I keep reading all these comments, all this stuff about my countries actions... and All I can see is how badly we have failed. Something to consider - our own government doesn't even tell us what it does or plans to do... this stuff just happens and we hear about it AFTER-THE-FACT and we are just expected to accept it. Its Just not USA anymore... its just not.

I know I'm only one person and I'm not significant or capable of change; however, My hopes and prayers are with you Japan. I hope for a strong future, A beautiful future.

-4 ( +5 / -9 )

smithinjapanDec. 02, 2013 - 04:59PM JST And Suga once again proves to be a moron. I hope he flies each and every day through the zone to show he's not >simply putting civilian lives at risk for the sake of his political vote.

By your own reasoning above, the South Koreans who also will not abide by China's rules are also morons.

smithinjapanDec. 02, 2013 - 08:53PM JST CrisGerSan: "In the end China will have to back down and remove its false claims I just hope they do it before it is such an embarrasemnt that they cause turmoil on their own country which very much needs peace at home to try to deal with serious national problems." Grow up, Cris... it's clearly not China backing down, is it? Once Biden "talks with" Japan, Japanese airlines will back >down as well (again). China has won this one

You really take the cake smith. Did you actually READ the article before posting? "Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Monday there was no change to Japan’s policy of not notifying Chinese authorities when its commercial aircraft fly through China’s new air defense identification zone."

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Further proof the JP government puts pride before safety.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

It won’t matter anymore, whatever Abe’s admin tries to do and say in terms of damage control or face-saving, it’s moot. Simply put, it’s water under the bridge already..

Abe’s hawkish admin is really good at denial, yet poor at seeking political and diplomatic solutions with its neighbors. In the end, Japanese people may get hurts economically and physically.

3 ( +7 / -4 )

nigelboy: "On one side, we have country that unilaterily declares a zone which overlaps another and threatens to take action to vessels that does not identify their plans and for some unknown screwed up compass, you hav the nerve to call people who denounce this action to "grow up"."

I do not at all condone China's actions, but do indeed think that a person willing to put civilians' lives at risk for the sake of politics a moron and am more than willing to tell them to grow up. It's a shame you put politics before people's lives.

gogogo: "Further proof the JP government puts pride before safety."

Exactly. Don't try telling that to nigelboy, though.

Ossan: "By your own reasoning above, the South Koreans who also will not abide by China's rules are also morons."

Yes, so what's your point, besides Korea bashing? I absolutely think any Korean airlines that put people in harm's way for politics are morons. Is this a thread on South Korea, by the way? or are you just deflecting as usual?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

I do not at all condone China's actions, but do indeed think that a person willing to put civilians' lives at risk for the sake of politics a moron and am more than willing to tell them to grow up. It's a shame you put politics before people's lives.

Then what's with this "China has won this one" crap? They won what exactly, smith? As far as global standards go, any nation that threatens civilian aircraft is indeed a MAJOR MORON and any person with an ounce of common sense would tell them to "GROW UP". PERIOD. It's a shame that you continually excuse China's behavior because they are simply "China".

-2 ( +4 / -6 )

@smithinjapanDec. 02, 2013 - 11:06PM JST

"I do not at all condone China's actions, but do indeed think that a person willing to put civilians' lives at risk for the sake of politics a moron and am more than willing to tell them to grow up. It's a shame you put politics before people's lives. "

I agree with your assessment and points, logical and well said. China is not a model country, that is given, but it is not necessarily Japan should treat it as an enemy.

Abe’s hawkish admin seems to be locked in an obsolete mentality, in which China’ rise is the single largest treat to Japan, therefore, Japan must find a way to create an alliance in the world to slow it down or better yet stop it.

The fact may be that with a well-developed carrot-and-stick approach, the world including Japan may benefit from a steady growing China. Here is a quote from one of the most closest allies of the US, British Prime Minister David Cameron ( He now is visiting China, bringing with a large group of business people with him.) "China's transformation is one of the defining facts of our lifetime ... I see China's rise as an opportunity, not just for the people of this country but for Britain and the world," In other words, UK has now bypassed the issue of Dalai Lama and Tibet and moved forward.

People may disagree with me on my view above, but at least we should agree one thing - peace and prosperity are better than war and destruction. So Abe should find a way to bypass the three remote islets and devote his energy to work with China for mutual benefits. Otherwise, Japan could be further isolate from the rest of the world. (Israel can be an example.)

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Whenever JP extended it's ADIZ, he requested others to follow his regulation and those others did what JP said for safety. My question is why JP don't do the same way like general others did for safety? Pls refer to news in Taiwan today below:

Taipei, Dec. 2 (CNA) Civilian aircraft from Taiwan has previously been intercepted by Japan's Air Self-Defense Force in an area where the two countries' airspace zones overlap, the Civil Aeronautics Administration (CAA) revealed Monday. In 2002, Japanese defense craft "monitored" a Taiwanese plane testing a new air route designated B591, which stretches from Taipei to northeastern China through the overlapping zones, according to CAA official Hung Mei-yun. A similar incident occurred in 2009, she said. Responding to questions from lawmakers earlier in the day, CAA Director-General Jean Shen said that the incidents occurred where Japan's air defense identification zone (ADIZ) and Taiwan's flight information region overlap. Shen explained that the area falls between longitude 123-124 degrees east. Japan asked Taiwan to provide flight plans through the overlap starting in 2009, and Taiwan has complied. Even so, Japanese self-defense planes have intercepted Taiwanese civil aircraft in the region, which she said "poses a great danger" to Taiwan's flight control.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

nigelboy: "Then what's with this "China has won this one" crap?"

Hey, if I cheer for Gamba Osaka and they lose, pointing out that the other team won is simply fact. It doesn't mean I cheered for the other team. Get your George Bush "with us or against us" mentality gone already.

"As far as global standards go, any nation that threatens civilian aircraft is indeed a MAJOR MORON and any person with an ounce of common sense would tell them to "GROW UP""

Agreed. China should grow up, and so should Japan, and Suga -- you cannot deny they are just all playing politics, as much as you deny Japan is doing anything wrong. What people like you do not understand is that this is not one-sided. And as long as you think it is, nothing will be solved, so GROW UP.

EthanWilber: "Abe’s hawkish admin seems to be locked in an obsolete mentality, in which China’ rise is the single largest treat to Japan, therefore, Japan must find a way to create an alliance in the world to slow it down or better yet stop it."

Agreed, 100%. Abe and Co. seem to want to return to a kind of glory-days that saw Japan end up in ruins, and blame it on everyone else. This whole tit-for-tat thing has got to stop, and it won't until Japan and China grow up.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

I agree with your assessment and points, logical and well said. China is not a model country, that is given, but it is not necessarily Japan should treat it as an enemy.

Japan has not for if they are a hostile enemy, they would be the first on board to comply with China's demands.

The Japanese government knows full well that this is merely a bluff for any casuality on a civilian aircraft will result in the perishment of China as we see today. Japan called, China folded. By doing so, it set a precedent on how far Japan will tolerate China's actions while at the same time, gaining support from international community.

And as to rest of your post, don't think for a minute that other SE Asian nations are salivating on getting the piece of China's pie in terms of economic prosperity. There is a reason why there has been an 250% increase in Japan's FDI to SE Asia.

-5 ( +4 / -9 )

@nigelboy

"And as to rest of your post, don't think for a minute that other SE Asian nations are salivating on getting the piece of China's pie in terms of economic prosperity. There is a reason why there has been an 250% increase in Japan's FDI to SE Asia."

I am assuming what you are doing for living is not in deep trench of international trade. :)

250% increase in Japan's FDI to SE Asia is look big and juicy on the paper but if you look numbers closely enough, it only counts for a fraction that Japan has already invested in China. Given population growth and the purchase power, plus the mature talent bases in SE Asia, the water for Japan to get its investments to exceed ones in China in short term and medium term is still uncharted to say it the best. Here is the reality for people who are not aware: China has surpassed the US to be a largest trader in the world as we speaking.

That is part of the rationals that the US has to play it safe and play it for the future when the US department advised American airlines to comply the illogical rules in is the Chinese ADIZ . The US can’t afford to lose its market shares because at end of the day, business is business.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

nigelboy: "The Japanese government knows full well that this is merely a bluff for any casuality on a civilian aircraft will result in the perishment of China as we see today. Japan called, China folded."

Classic. Sorry, but Japanese airlines were the very first to capitulate. It was only after the politics came in that they decided to put human lives at risk. The US knows it's not smart to put civilians in harm's way, even if China is bluffing, but Suga and the Japanese government prove to be nothing but morons who need to grow up. Scramble fighters, or freighters, or whatever, but don't send civilian flights into a threat.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I don't mind countries "Zone'ing Off" any part of the world, but how much is to be Zoned and for what purpose is the question?

This ADIZ that Communist China established goes back to a question that the U.S. State Department asked Communist China when they bought that Soviet Aircraft Carrier from the Ukraine a few years ago: "Why does China need an Aircraft Carrier?".

Their answer: "To protect our Sovereignty within our boarders."

And BTW: They tricked the Ukraine into selling them that Aircraft Carrier by claiming that they intend to make it a floating Casino! I wonder if the Ukrainians have ever heard of Macau? Those Commies are tricky. Little sneaky sneaks they are...

Anyway, the entire East China Sea and ALL THE WAY through the South China Sea and just down into the Senkakku Islands and edging along Okinawa IS NOT within Communist China's "Sovereign Boarders".

So, what's next? The South Pacific i.e. Solomon Islands? Malaysia? Singapore? Austrailia, that puts you in the Hot Seat.

Hey India - The Sneaky Commies are creeping into your back doorstep!

Communist China just sent their "Jade Rabbit" aka Moon Buggy to the Moon today. I'm sure they'll find a way to roll over Neil Armstrong's footsteps and plow down our the American Flag and blame it on faulty technology they stole from Japan.

And I'll tell you what the Commies are going to say to Joe Bidden: "Hey Joe, here's 2 Coupons to the Panda Express for a 1 Combo 2 Rice and don't let door hit you a** on the way out.."

HA HA!!! You all wait and see. God Dam, I hate it when I'm right half the dam time.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

The real and present danger is the act of Japanese goverment demanding these pilots to challenge some foreign military force in the name of national interests and pride. This puts commercial pilots in an untenable and precarious position. Not to mention passengers who have no idea they are unwitting pawns in a high stakes game.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

sfjp330:

Well, that because The Republicans in the U.S. Congress believe that their glorified Ronald Reagan ended communism with the fall of the Berlin Wall and the close of The Soviet Union.

Well, there's one more wall that needs to come down and it ain't in Berlin.

The "New Tyranny" known as "Communist China" has unleashed itself to the world with ADIZ's as their Tyrannical Weapon of FEAR and who is going to stop this New Tyranny?

Can't be Ronnie ole boy this time. Barack seems to be pondering the idea, but his time in office will be coming to a close sooner than he can do anything about it. Abe? Park? The E.U.? How about the Aussies? Anyone?

The U.N.? - LOL I'll leave that one for the History Books

(assuming who gets to write the history).

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

It starts to become clearer to me that perhaps America is playing "punch and cure". The military will increase its activity, while the foreign ministry will continue to cure injuries.... until it successfully put some sense in the commies.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Hey, if I cheer for Gamba Osaka and they lose, pointing out that the other team won is simply fact. It doesn't mean I cheered for the other team. Get your George Bush "with us or against us" mentality gone already.

You stil haven't explained what exactly China had "won".

Agreed. China should grow up, and so should Japan, and Suga -- you cannot deny they are just all playing politics, as much as you deny Japan is doing anything wrong. What people like you do not understand is that this is not one-sided. And as long as you think it is, nothing will be solved, so GROW UP

You keep repeating this "not one-sided" argument for god knows how long and has been countered by numerous posters. Perhaps it's time you finally answer to those counter arguments as opposed to repeating the same mantra in a different article such as this.

On one end, you applauded U.S. dispatch of B-52 to this new air zone as "nice move" while in the same sentence took a snipe at Japan stating "not having the gall" When other posters informed you that Japan had indeed scrambled jets immediately after China's new announced ADIZ before U.S., you managed to weasel out of that one and decided to change your tune. You are a classic case of "damned if you do, damned if you don't" when it comes to Japan.

So please again elaborate what exactly China had "won"

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

I feel that the Japanese government's policy of pressurising Japanese airlines not to submit their flight plans to China is reckless and irresponsible. If there is an incident will Suga and Abe take responsibility? Of course not. Will the Japanese government compensate Japanese airlines for any losses incurred as a result of their actions? Probably not.

This does not mean that I agree with China's actions. The unelected despots in Beijing are trying to seize territory that is not theirs. Japanese military aircraft should ignore the Chinese ADIZ, but to gamble with civilian lives for the sake of political posturing is too much. But we know that the LDP does not care about ordinary people. They want an incident to occur to justify their ongoing attempts to limit our freedoms.

Japanese airlines should ignore the Japanese government and act in the interests of their customers.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Let's see if the same goes when Japanese businessmen councils and politicians visit China. Good way to get rid of these ' leaders ' of commerce and government.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am assuming what you are doing for living is not in deep trench of international trade. :)

Meaning what exactly? Both U.S. and Japan's Trade to GDP ratio is around 20 percentile while China is close to 50%.

On top of that, with the first island chain controlled by U.S. and Japan, the life line of trade which China is enjoying could easily dissappear by an instant. If we go back to history, the only way Chiang Kai Shek received raw materials for their war efforts against Japan was through "Chiang Kai Shek route" in SE Asia. But hey. Times have changed hasn't it? You think these SE Asia nations are willing to lend a hand to China now?

In summary, both U.S. and Japan can easily "starve" China to a point where their proud 2 mil PLA "little emperor" men would be too busy containing the mass riots.

There is a reason why China desparately wants to control this air space as well as the sea lanes.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

"Further proof the JP government puts pride before safety."

They who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety.

Benjamin Franklin

0 ( +1 / -1 )

smithinjapanDec. 02, 2013 - 11:06PM JST Ossan: "By your own reasoning above, the South Koreans who also will not abide by China's rules are also morons." Yes, so what's your point, besides Korea bashing? I absolutely think any Korean airlines that put people in harm's way for politics are morons. Is this a thread on South Korea, by the way? or are you just deflecting as usual?

Just proving that your post was nothing but Japan bashing as always.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

smithinjapanDec. 02, 2013 - 04:59PM JST And Suga once again proves to be a moron. I hope he flies each and every day through the zone to show he's not simply putting civilian lives at risk for the sake of his political vote.

No, Mr. Suga believes PRC is not so stupid to shoot down commercial aircrafts in the international airspace. But maybe you are right, PRC is really idiot and shoot down commercial aircrafts in the international airspace.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

nigelboy: "You stil haven't explained what exactly China had "won"."

I explained it quite well, you just choose not to see it. I said this is how they are going to win -- we now have the US suggesting all countries adhere to the new zone when it comes to commercial airliners. That is just the beginning. China needs to do nothing, all other countries need to adhere, or else put civilians' lives in harms way for the sake of politics.

"You keep repeating this "not one-sided" argument for god knows how long and has been countered by numerous posters."

"Countered" by posters who are blind to the fact that it is not a one-sided problem. How do you tango with ONE person, nigelboy? What is a 'war' with only one party involved? Or are you suggesting China is being aggressive and Japan is so weak it can only sit back and do nothing and are not flying into the zone, etc? You really don't see how badly you defeat your own arguments. You need to grow up.

Ossan: "Just proving that your post was nothing but Japan bashing as always."

Ummm... yeah, me pointing out how Korean textbooks are just as bad as Japanese is "japan bashing". Actually, all you're really saying is you have no argument, and your bluff was called. Sorry, bud. Must have had a minor implosion to know I don't support Korean textbook bias while at the VERY SAME TIME do not support the same revisions by companies and politicians in Japan.

-2 ( +3 / -5 )

me pointing out how Korean textbooks are just as bad as Japanese is "japan bashing".

Did that ever include pointing out specific textbooks, their publishers, the problems you have with them, the pages those things you find questionable are on, links to the textbooks in question and numbers about how many schools actually use them? Cause I sure haven't seen them.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I explained it quite well, you just choose not to see it. I said this is how they are going to win -- we now have the US suggesting all countries adhere to the new zone when it comes to commercial airliners. That is just the beginning. China needs to do nothing, all other countries need to adhere, or else put civilians' lives in harms way for the sake of politics.

All countries? No. Hardly. A country that threatens to use force against even a commercial/civilian airliner which some comply and you declare China a "winner"? Your mind works in funny ways because if I recall, it's China who is putting civilian lives in harms way for the sake of politics, no?

Isn't it time we stop giving China a break because they are China, a bullying nation that does not adhere to global standards?

"Countered" by posters who are blind to the fact that it is not a one-sided problem. How do you tango with ONE person, nigelboy? What is a 'war' with only one party involved? Or are you suggesting China is being aggressive and Japan is so weak it can only sit back and do nothing and are not flying into the zone, etc? You really don't see how badly you defeat your own arguments. You need to grow up

This is rich coming from a person who applauded U.S. dispatch of B-52 to this new air zone as "nice move" while in the same sentence took a snipe at Japan stating "not having the gall". Well it looks like they had the "gall" all along didn't they? First to dispatch F-15's right after their Nov. 23rd declaration. Ten aircraft including F-15 and AWACS dancing around in their newly delcared zones on Nov. 29. Top that off with commercial airlines ignoring China's orders because such requirements are unprecedented anywhere in the world.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

nigelboy, Dude, give it up , and you are better than that. :)

SmithinJapan’s stance has been steady, consistence and moderate. In retrospect, China seems scoring better than Japan on the count of ADIZ flare even many of us here DO NOT endorse the Chinese aggressive behaviors, but the fact is a fact, it should not simply be denied by the emotional attachments.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

SmithinJapan’s stance has been steady, consistence and moderate. In retrospect, China seems scoring better than Japan on the count of ADIZ flare even many of us here DO NOT endorse the Chinese aggressive behaviors, but the fact is a fact, it should not simply be denied by the emotional attachments.

Consistent? No. You probably missed the part about him applauding U.S. deployment of B-52's while at the same time took at snipe at Japan for "not having the gall". The guy is a walking contradiction.

EthanWiber

I'm going to make this really simple for you.

Do you think China's radar system is so outdated that they cannot distinguish a commercial airliner and one that is not? I certainly don't think so. If so, more reason why they shoudln't be tacking on this "addtional" air space to begin with for it's too much of a burden for them.

Assuming that they can distinguish between commercial airliner and on that is not, what do you think of a nation that threatens these airliners with force if they did not initially comply with their plans? There is a specific word for that.

"TERRORISTS"

Here's my take on what Japanese government thinks when Suga made those statements.

You' (as in China) have the capability to distinguish between commercial airliner and one that's it's not. You know very well that if these airliners don't encroach on your territory (12 nm), there is no obligation to report the flight plan for it's quite obvious that the flight is not intended to land on your territory nor cause harm to your territory.

You are not a terrorist nation as in you are not a state that will shoot down commercial airliners if they don't comply.

Therefore, we are going to call your bluff for we are not going to give you the satisfaction to appease your brainwashed masses to to camoflauge your internal problems.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

It should be clear by now that China has been trying to expand its sphere of influence in Asia for a long time and is getting more aggressive all the time. Hard to understand for those from different parts of the world who believe cooperation and peaceful co-existence would benefit all nations in the region. Not so in the case of China which seeks confrontation for reasons of its own. One reason probably being appeasement of the growing restless masses in China itself that seek better livelihoods. Could we call the Chinese attempts to claim more ocean territory a diversion the uneducated masses would applaud? Unilaterally declaring more ocean space, air space, setting rules, gradually encroaching on other sovereign nations' bounderies is worrying and giving in to those attempts I see as a weakness that will result in more pain in the future than standing up to it now. At this moment China DEMANDS flight plans. Flight plans with complete manifests? What do they demand next? And now they'll be pleased to see a rift between the US and Japan, where the US advises to comply and Japan does the opposite? I see a lot of Abe haters here, with all due respect. I take no sides, putting civilian lives at risk is irresponsible I agree, but ask yourself, threatening civil aviation by the Chinese military would mean an instant halt to all Japanese industrial involvement. Is that a risk they are willing to take? I doubt it, but they, and the 'they' always means the Beijing clique, will keep pushing and doing things in a way, well, their way.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

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